Visit L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, Provence
The village of Argentiere - and the associated silver mines of L'Argentiere-la-Bessee - are located in the Fournal Valley surrounded by mountains to the south-west of Briancon.
Note: there is also a town called Argentiere near Chamonix, so pay attention if you use a GPS to get here!
Exploring L'Argentière-la-Bessée
Silver mines
During the second half of the 19th century, the town was a very busy centre, due to the silver mines found here. The silver mining started with the Romans and continued until the start of the 20th century, with a brief resurgence due to aluminium mining. By 1910 all mining activity had stopped.
It is only in recent years that the mines have been reopened, this time as a tourist attraction, and you can now visit the mines and also see the tools and methods used for the silver mining in the associated museum, a popular and interesting tour that takes about two hours.
Other
In the town itself you can see the 16th century Church of Saint-Apollinaire on the banks of the Durance river, especially known for the 16th century frescoes on the walls. The other main religious monument here is the 12th century Chapel Saint-Jean, in an attractive hillside setting and built on the site of a much older church.
There are also a sprinkling of traditional old buildings and farmhouses around the village.
Activities in the region
During the winter Argentiere is better known as a ski resort, and all year around it acts as a gateway to the Ecrins National Park with many opportunities for hiking, canoeing, rock-climbing and outdoor sports in the mountains.
Tourist classifications for L'Argentiere-la-Bessee: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);
Suggested places to visit near L'Argentiere-la-Bessee, France
Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.
Briancon 13km
Serre Chevalier 21km
Ecrins National Park 21km
More suggestions: Nevache 25km; Embrun 26km; La Grave 34km; Deux-Alpes 42km; Barcelonnette 46km; Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette 48km; Alpe-d'Huez 50km; Seyne-les-Alpes 52km; Val Thorens 56km;
See these places and more on a map at places near L'Argentiere-la-Bessee
L'Argentiere-la-Bessee tourism: sights and attractions nearby
Vallee de la Claree - grand site of france (21km) : Queyras - regional natural parc (24km) : La Meije - site of natural beauty (31km) : Jardin alpin du Lautaret - remarkable garden (33km) : Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (35km) : Aiguilles d'Arves - site of natural beauty (41km) : Poligny - town of art and history (42km) : Cirque de Viso - site of natural beauty (42km) :
French version: see L'Argentiere-la-Bessee (Francais)
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